Another of Robert McPhee’s sons, James, was also found guilty of attacks on Mr Keith.

The 45-year-old was also convicted of a eight-year campaign of violence against John Anderson, including punching and kicking him and hitting him with a pick axe handle. He was also found guilty of making Mr Anderson fight with other men.

In 1999, Mr Anderson escaped to Paisley but James McPhee tracked him down and forced him to return to the traveller site at Bathgate where they were living at the time.

On another occasion Mr Anderson escaped to Cambridge but James McPhee once again tracked him down and hauled him back to Scotland.

Another man lived in a caravan with no water or toilet, before being told her was “owned” by the family.

One petrified worker was left “cowering like a dog” due to the abuse.

Another who fled was told he had a £5,000 bounty on his head and would be “skinned” with a razor unless he returned.

Robert McPhee and his son James were convicted of numerous other charges of assault to severe injury, abduction and holding people against their will, taking place over two decades.

The gang had denied the charges, claiming they were picked on by “overzealous” opolice and had shown kindness towards workers.

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